Women of Hope

Christian Courier Link

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

According to a recent survey by the Barna Group, youngsters of the United States between ages 13-18 (labeled as Generation Z) claim to be atheists. Barna states the percentage of this unbelieving generation is double that of adults. How firm these children are in disbelief is surely not knowable in this kind of survey. But it is no surprise that many of them are leaning toward atheism. The viral propaganda against belief in God is so pervasive. It is in the classroom, on television, social media, etc. https://www.barna.com/research/atheism-doubles-among-generation-z

We will briefly consider the reasons given by these polled young people, and the increasing secularism/unbelief among the general population. We have listed numerous articles to supplement the brevity here.

The primary reason these youngsters gave for their atheism is the fact of evil and suffering in our world. Surely, it is mused, there must be no God, or he wouldn’t allow evil and suffering to exist. This issue is problematic for many people, including believers in an Almighty God. Instead of jumping to the conclusion that God doesn’t exist because there is suffering and evil, the foremost question is: What is the evidence, if any, for the existence of Deity?

Where there is design, there must be a designer; where there is an effect there must be an adequate cause. Our universe, our bodies contain the very evidence of a great Cause and Designer. The visible evidence for an invisible great mind and power that created all there is leads the reasoning and honest person to belief in God (Rom. 1:19-21). Wayne Jackson explains, “In Romans 1, Paul employed this type of reasoning to contend for the Creator’s existence. ‘For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world, are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and deity; that they may be without excuse’ (v. 20). By observing the intricacies of the visible creation (the obvious design, orchestration, etc.), one is expected to reason to the invisible, i.e., an ultimate, intelligent Cause exists.The logic is so transparent that to fail to reason in this fashion, Paul says, is inexcusable!” (https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/892-reasoning-from-the-visible-to-the-invisible)

God has communicated to us by the Bible. How do we know that? There is plenty of evidence for its inspiration. It is the genuine Word. A study of this amazing Book will show its supernatural unity, though written over a period of 1500 or more years. The writers were from different backgrounds and experiences. There is scientific accuracy and foreknowledge, fulfilled prophecies, etc. All these point to the integrity of the Book as God’s Scripture. (cf. Wayne Jackson. The Holy Bible Inspired of God—A Look at the Evidence. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1578-the-holy-bible-inspired-of-god-a-look-at-the-evidence.)

Can we answer the question: Why is there a suffering in the world today? If we believe that the evidence is so strong for the existence of God that it cannot be denied (prima facie case), there must be a satisfying answer. At least enough to accept that God is; and that he loves and acts on behalf of his people, in spite of things we don’t understand. What can we learn from his Holy Word?

When Adam and Eve chose to sin, they brought death upon their offspring, that is you and me (Gen. 2:15-17; 3). Disease and violations of natural laws lead to death. The earth itself has “suffered” the consequences of mankind’s sins. It isn’t the same pure globe it was before the fall. For example, there is geological evidence for a moderate climate upon all of the earth before the Flood in Noah’s day. Since then there are turbulent storms and weather extremes.

Because of God’s love (1 Jon. 4:8), we have been created with the power of personal choice. We are not robots geared to behave with no ability to make decisions. However, choices often lead to sufferings of various kinds for ourselves and others. For example alcohol and other drugs lead to a variety of heartaches: automobile accidents that kill or maim, family abuse, immorality, financial ruin, prison terms, and general unhappiness and depression. The lives of children are affected by the choices of their parents.

The acceptance of the theory of evolution as fact is a huge factor contributing to the growing disbelief in God. If one is simply a beast without a soul, there is no room for the demands of the Lord. The desire for unrestrained behaviors, without accountability, makes evolution an attractive idea to some. With evolution comes a disregard for human life (e.g. abortion). The fact is there is no proof for evolution as the creative power behind all that is. If nothing ever existed, there would be nothing now. Life comes from life.

The children surveyed also listed hypocrisy among churches/Christians as a “reason” for their unbelief. This is probably the most shallow of excuses. However, it reminds us that we do not live “on an island” alone. We are seen. Yes, many people look for a weakness in others, and will find it or misjudge. But we must do our best not to behave in ways that bring disgrace to the cause of Christ (cf. 1 Peter 2:11-12). Yet, people who claim hypocrisy is the reason for their unbelief, seem to ignore the many good people who are exemplary of God’s influence in their lives. There are hypocrites in all walks of life, but that doesn’t keep us from going to the doctor or buying an automobile, home etc.

Guardians of the world’s children are their major influences, especially early in life. What are parents, grandparents, teachers doing? Do we live like Jesus commands? Do we communicate with children about God in a deep manner? Are we careful to watch over our youngsters to help them cultivate good companions? How much time is spent having fun or on media devices, versus time spent in service to the Lord or studying his word? Parenting is a responsibility; we will be held accountable. The lifestyle of many parents is focused upon the temporal. It is more important to spend time with our offspring, than it is earning and buying “stuff."

The vulnerability of our youth is often under-estimated. We are swimming upstream against a world culture. Unless we prioritize the spiritual needs of ourselves and our children, we will “drown.” Just taking our kids to worship is not enough. A couple of hours a week in formal church services will not create an armor against the wiles of the devil, in all his craftiness (Eph. 6:10-16). Though influential, the preacher, elders, youth minister, Bible class teachers cannot replace parents. The inspired Moses wrote the words of God: “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Emphasis mine. Deut. 6:4-9). It takes time, lots of time, to plant the word of God in our own hearts, and the hearts of our children. How much time is left?

Friday, September 22, 2017

Bible class teachers and parents are often asked by young children, “Am I old enough to be baptized?” or “How old do I have to be before I can be baptized?”

Because of the importance of this basic question and also the sensitivity of a child’s heart, our choice of words can have everlasting impressions. Because it is difficult to pinpoint an age when a child reaches the proper maturity level to make the decision to become a Christian, answering the question with a specific age would not necessarily be right or wrong. A middle of the road answer to the child might be, “When you have studied God’s Word, and talked the decision over with your parents or loved ones, then you’ll know when it’s time to be baptized.”

Because this is the most important decision any of us can make, further study on the question is needed. Statistics show that more than 80 percent of people make the decision to become a Christian before the age of 21. All of us know that the longer the decision is put off, the harder it is to make.

How do we know that a child is old enough to be baptized? What criteria can we use to measure when a child is ready to obey the gospel? How can we as parents and teachers encourage children to not make decisions based on fear or peer pressure?

Through teaching in the home, the pulpit and in the Bible class, each child is exposed to the Scriptures and to the belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. They learn to memorize the steps to salvation and quote verses about

baptism. But are they ready to make the commitment to a new life?

These guidelines may help you determine if a child is

ready to be baptized:

• Has the child moved from a literal understanding to more abstract concepts? For instance, a 7- or 8-year-old child would not be able to grasp the full symbolism of baptism, the blood of Christ, or even the Lord’s Supper.

As children mature, they more easily understand the meaning of Romans 6:3-4 that states, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (NKJV). By the age of 12 or 13, a child will better understand that baptism is not just a ritual. As LaGard Smith* says in Baptism, The Believer’s Wedding Ceremony, “The true significance of baptism is not what happens on the outside of the package. It’s what happens on the inside that makes the outer act important.”

• The child is actively participating in the worship service. Listening, singing, praying and being attentive during the Lord’s Supper are strong indicators that a child is maturing and wants to be a part of the body. Encouraging children from an early age to carry their Bibles, turning to passages and listening to the Bible reading are positive patterns for learning.

• The child repeatedly feels guilt when approached about wrongdoing. He also begins to understand forgiveness and reconciliation. Conversation reflects that he does not easily forgive himself of sins committed. Just as David felt the burden of his sin in Psalm 51:10,“Create in me a clean heart, O God,” so will a child begin to talk about the pain of guilt. For a child to fully understand the blessings of baptism, he needs to understand the depth of sin.

• The child understands the meaning of commitment. True conversion is a commitment to Christ and His teachings. Allowing a child to participate in other activities such as scouts, sports or a part-time job may indicate that he/she understands the meaning of commitment. If the child takes responsibility and follows through with these tasks, then he will have a better knowledge of commitment.

• Children at the age of 6 to 8 want to please adults.As adults we talk about baptism in a hopeful light. We tell them, “We hope one day that you will want to be baptized.” They overhear us say to others, “We are praying that [someone] will obey the Lord.” Children who grow up in the church absorb good feelings about baptism from other members. As a child grows older and matures, he has less need for adult approval. Because of this, a child at the age of 12 or 13 is less likely to be just pleasing his parents when he talks about being baptized.

Of course, we must realize that all children are different in maturity levels and understanding. We would certainly not want to discourage a child who was truly convicted in his heart to become a Christian, but at the same time we need to consider prayerfully each individual situation. Studying some of the books suggested in the editor’s note at left (below) may help parents determine a child’s readiness to be baptized.

Our hope and prayer is for the child to mature to the level where he does not need to ask the question, “Am I old enough to be baptized?” Rather, with confidence and conviction he can confess “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and I want to be baptized!” With joy, we’ll respond with a resounding, “Yes!” And just as the eunuch did in Acts 8:39, your child will go “on his way rejoicing.”

Editor's note: This editorial is by no means a thorough or complete study of baptism. After studying the Scriptures, you may want to consult these additional resources*:

Becoming a Christian by Wayne Monroe and Mike Peters;

Baptism,The Believer’s Wedding Ceremony by F. LaGard Smith; Basic Training: A Manual for Teens by Randy Simmons; Good As New! A Child’s Guide to Becoming a Christian by Doug Gibson;Am I Old Enoughto Be Baptized? byJim McDaniel;Now That You’ve Obeyed the Gospel by Delton Haun;Now That I’m A Christian by R. B. Sweet;

and “Is Baptism Really Necessary?” by Dan Chambers.

The foregoing editorial article was written by Debbie Bumbalough, while she was editor of the Gospel Advocate’s publication Ideashop. Note the License Agreement below.

*Disclaimer: Not having read those references, we cannot necessarily endorse the authors or the books recommended above (Betty Jackson).

Please do not reprint/repost this article without obtaining permission from the Gospel Advocate.

Non-Exclusive License Agreement

This License Agreement ("Agreement") is dated May 18, 2017, by and between Gospel Advocate Company ("GAC") and Betty Jackson ("Licensee") (collectively, the "Parties").

GAC hereby grants to Licensee and Licensee accepts from GAC, a nonexclusive, non transferable, and non-assignable right, strictly subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to use the Licensed Work (as that term is defined below) solely in connection with the Manner of Distribution, in the Territory, and for the Duration, all of which are defined below. GAC retains all rights pertaining to the Licensed Work except as specifically granted to Licensee hereunder.

LICENSED WORK (See also Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference): The literary work entitled "Am IOld Enough To Be Baptized" from Ideashop Jan 2003.

TERRITORY: Soley in the city of Jackson, Madison County, state of TN.

DURATION: The time period from May on 18, 2017 to Aug on 18, 2018.

MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION: Licensee is permitted to distribute the Licensed Work solely in connection with re-post, online 2017.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

In the mind of some, discipline is simply about punishment. A simple study of how the word is used in scripture will show it is much more. Limiting discipline to punishment is to miss its purpose.

The Greek word (paideía) translated discipline in Hebrews 12 and 2 Timothy 3:16 in some versions, is also translated as instruction or training.The purpose of discipline, whether it is by some kind of punishment, verbal reproof or instruction, is not to be characterized as revenge.

The Lord expects us to train our children. Ephesians 6:4. Paul prefaces his instruction about discipline with the word “nourish” or “bring up” This word is also used in Ephesians 5:29. There is a warmness or gentleness in the word. In contrast to the brutality common in the then ruling Roman Empire, fathers are to wisely train their children in the Lord.

How important is discipline? Scripture explains, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11). The purpose and the fruit of discipline is clear: training and righteousness.

Failure to properly discipline our offspring, jeopardizes the “peaceable fruit of righteousness.” (cf. Prov. 29:15.) Self control is as important as an honest heart wherein truth has been deeply planted. It is only by training and teaching the scriptures will our children learn to be the master of themselves.

Every child needs to be trained, in harmony with his age, understanding and temperament. As we rear our children, we may question others about how to discipline our children. It may be daunting when we realize that Baby has his own personality and will. As he grows older, we learn he isn’t as easy to mold as we may have thought. And especially is this true of a stronger-willed child. Respect for authority is paramount. There will be a battle of wills. But deep affection with a dedication to loving chastisement will instruct our kids about authority, love, and self-mastery.

The scriptures have a lot to say about training children. However, one cannot lead where one will not go! Effective discipline begins with parents who are self-disciplined. Personal and honest evaluation of oneself may include asking: Do my spouse and I constantly bicker and hatefully disagree, even on unimportant things? Do I lose my temper and “throw a fit” when I need to hold my child accountable? Do I constantly criticize or “harp” at my youngster when correcting him? Do I try to say yes to my child’s requests, when I can; or do I usually say no? How do I go about my work? Am I haphazard, always leaving things to be done at the last minute, or always late! Am I always tardy for worship? What about the state of your home. None of us can have a perfectly kept home all the time. Life happens! But if it is always slovenly, it is a shame ( cf. Prov. 10:3-5; 12:23-24; 13:4). Are we inclined to be like the world in our habits, dress, and recreational pursuits?

Taking an honest inventory of our lives will be be a good indicator of how well we are training our children.

Youngsters will be exposed to all kinds of temptations. When they are little the temptation to lie will be common. Their little hearts must learn honesty, by gently, firmly teaching that lying is wrong. The very young have little idea of what all this means. They will respond to a sharp word with a lie, not even realizing that they were caught in wrong doing. It is important not to set a child up for a lie. if you saw her take the cookie, don’t ask if she did! As they get older, when they understand what lying is, they must face more significant consequences for not telling the truth.

“For whom the Lord loves He reproves. Even as father corrects the son in whom he delights”(Prov. 3:12). If the Lord loves us enough to reprove us, surely if we delight in our children, we will do all we can to train them in God’s way. When we are weak parents, we create an environment for our children to become self-centered and rebellious. Correction must be followed through. Promising discipline, whether it is a spanking or loss of privileges, then forgetting or unwilling to carry out the necessary measures is simply wrong. Under some circumstances, mercy might be extended, but not every day!

Peer pressure will become more real as children get older. They will be prompted to dress in a way that is provocative. Going to the beach is popular in many parts of the country. Is it alright to wear a bikini at the beach, but at a ball game or the grocery store it would be considered immodest? Why is it alright to wear a strapless wedding dress, yet immodest to wear a similar garment to worship or a party (or is it!)?

There are so many issues that will face our children. If they have not developed confidence in their parents to lead in righteousness; if their hearts have not learned honesty, and self mastery, they will yearn to be like their friends and the world. They will dress (or undress) like the rest, behave like unbelievers. Without honest hearts that are under control because of love for the Lord, they will sink into sin that is ever knocking at the door.

What have you done to help your children be pure and holy? Have you a laissez+faire attitude? Do you take the position that all will end well, no matter what you do? Have you encouraged your children to dress in a way that is provocative? Do you dress in clothes that leave little unrevealed? I do not understand mothers who wear those low necklines before their sons and daughters. In spite of the your own immodesty, would you be insulted if someone made a lewd comment to your nearly naked daughter or son?

Mom’s need to set the right example in dress and behavior. Shorts are a problem these days. Even if they are knee length, gaping big-legged shorts reveal more than anyone needs (or wants) to see. Fathers, need to dress modestly too! They need to have the moral courage to correct their wives and children concerning the way they dress.

Do you watch movies that are filled with excess violence, sexual innuendos, and foul language? Do your children?It should be no surprise when our children become involved in bad behavior with sad consequences, when we fail to teach them honest, pure, and self disciplined living.

When Nathan approached David for his sin with Bathsheba, he said, “Thou art the man!” As good as David was, he let his eyes fill with lust. He lapsed in self-mastery and sinned, bringing grave consequences into his own life and that of others.

Concerning Joseph, Reuben said, “Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? …” (Gen. 42:22). Have you sinned against your child by failing to train him in the Lord. I hope not. The church is filled with broken-hearted parents whose children have lost their way. May we not hear words such as “Thou art the man, woman!” for our lack of self-discipline. If we fail our children, we fail the Lord and the church. Some churches have dwindled in part because many parents have failed.

“‘Contrary to popular misguided cultural stereotypes and frequent parental misconceptions, the evidence clearly shows the the single most important social influence on the religious and spiritual lives of adolescents is their parents.’” “Parents are the most important determinants of their children’s spiritual life—or lack thereof.” (Sax, p. 183).

Researchers have learned exactly what Scripture has taught from the days of Moses. We can lead them in the Lord’s way. The general principle is “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). Let us live right, and love them right by setting examples and giving instructions from the Holy Bible.

Recommended Reading

(Some works are not recommended nor approved of in entirety. Certain writers do not make logical conclusions or their books may contain doctrinal errors. They are used for the research contained therein.)

The past year has been filled with changes. Life is that way, is it not?

For us, those changes involved some decisions about our future. In September of 2016, Wayne underwent surgery to remove a small malignant tumor from his neck. This was a reoccurrence of thyroid cancer. He recovered from that circumstance. He still has times of not feeling well. The multiple surgeries he has endured have taken their toll on him.

About the same time, we came to the full realization that we needed to think about our remaining years. Wayne had retired from public teaching (though he continues to write.) So we considered our options. California is an expensive place to live. With our son, Jared and his family in Tennessee, with our daughter, Joy and her husband, George, only a few hours from them and Wayne’s sisters also residing in Tennessee, we decided that we would leave California.

This decision was not easy. We love the church family we had been a part of in Stockton for over five decades. We did not want to leave our youngest son and his family. That was heart rending. But we knew it was the best. As most preacher’s families know, congregations are usually unable to contribute to a retirement plan. Wisdom dictates that ministers of the gospel figure out how to take care of themselves in old age. Therefore, living in a less expensive area is the careful thing to do; living closer to more family to encourage us in our challenges of age is paramount.

So we began making plans, purchased a house in Jackson Tennessee just behind Jared and Sandy. Packing seemed endless for weeks. Before that paper was sorted and files cleaned out. With the help of our kids and friends we loaded up the truck, and George and Joy drove our car to Jackson. On March 17 we flew out of Sacramento, for likely the last time.

Now we are here trying to get settled. More paintings, pictures to hang; cleaning, and organizing goes on. It will be a couple of months before everything is done. Then, I can get back to writing and keeping up with proof reading for Wayne. I have hopes of getting on a regular schedule for my Facebook page We Believe Because, and the blog Women of Hope. I had a final article written in the series, Securing their Hearts. However, there was so much I wanted to include. I couldn’t settle into “re-writing” while packing hours and hours at a time.

It has been a blessing to be here near Jared, Sandy, and Matthew, and Nicholas when he is home from college. George and Joy were here a few days to help us. We were blessed to be able to attend our eldest grandson’s wedding nearby the last of March.

We are anxious for a visit from Jason, Jill, Natalie, Kara, and Allie. Natalie plans to begin her first semester at Freed-Hardeman University. We expect to see her as often as her school schedule allows. My sister and her husband have plans to see us this summer.

I will be posting the last article in the series “Securing Their Hearts.”

While some events of the past years have challenged our hearts and our energy, we are confident in the Lord’s love and the hope we have in Him. May we all be diligent in our service in the kingdom.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The Love Doctor

by Betty Jackson

There is a frequent commercial advertising the efforts of a non-profit hospital to help disabled children. In one of those ads the question is asked of children, “What is love?” One little boy responds, “Call the love doctor!” There is a love doctor! He is the Great Physician who tells us by his example of self sacrifice and in his wonderful words about love.

It is a sad reality that some children grow up angry, self hating, or without a godly self-esteem. Worse yet is what is described as a reactive emotional detachment disorder. What is the cause of such emotional suffering?

We must wonder at the reports that between 1989 and 1999 there was an increase by 400% in the use of mental health services for female children and teenagers, and 70% for male children/teens. And more than one in eight females use antidepressants. (Note: this is not a condemnation of using mental health helps.) The question is, why are children/teens needing such help. Why the rise in anxiety and depression among the young, especially girls. (Sax, p. 5).

Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at the San Diego University, has researched this matter, comparing today’s statistics to 50 years ago. In her opinion there has been a decrease in “social connectedness.” She states that “Anxiety increases as social bonds weaken” (Sax, p. 5).

How can we help our children grow up without the emotional turmoil of unbelief, low self-esteem and self-hate?

Though liberal in his theology, sociologist Anthony Campolo in his book, Growing Up In America, makes the valid observation that human beings are social beings, with needs for a “primary group.” We were designed that way. Each person feels the need to “belong.” The most important primary group in the healthy development of a young person is her family. When that relationship is poor, youngsters will seek out others with whom to bond. It is natural for all of us to develop close relationships with people outside our families. But youngsters whose family bonds are weak, will be more at risk for bonding with the wrong people, resulting in sinful behaviors.

The importance of a healthy love bond between parents and children cannot be overstated. The emotional attachment is natural. But there is a reason why so many of the young people, even among Christians, are involved in immorality. Development of a stable, moral, happy young person is complex, we know. But it must begin when a child is newborn.

Older women are instructed to train younger women to love their children. I was surprised that the word is not agape, the highest type of love. Instead it is the word phileo.(tender affection). In that ancient culture, and in ours, there is the reality of being without “natural affection.” To have the “agape type of love” for your children, you must have tender affection as well.

Our children need to be touched. Babies need to be held and rocked. Youngsters need comfort and love expressed by listening, in precious bedtime routines of prayer, story time, hugs, and tucking in. Teenagers may begin to recoil a bit, but they still need to be hugged often. They may not want a bedtime routine anymore, or they may. More likely it is that parents get busy and don’t realize their older kids could use more attention/affection.

Teen years are not easy. But they do not need to be the time when Christian values are lost. Paul explained “Be not deceived, evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33). Parents whose bond with their children is strong will be better able to help steer their offspring to developing friendships that are healthy.

Remember, Christ developed a primary group in the apostolic band. They were his closest friends and chosen men to preach the first gospel sermons. They were special to him and each other. (See John 15:12-16.)

While it may seem simplistic, the type of love-bond we have with our children will greatly influence whether they will grow into balanced, moral and loving workers for the Lord.

There is more than having love for your kids to raise them in the Lord. We will explore those themes in future articles. One of the great sorrows is that many young people are growing up without a connection not only with family, but with God and his church. In many cases, their faith is already compromised by the time they are in middle school, due to the influence of a godless society creating doubt in the integrity of the Scriptures (Ham, p. 111).

As we attempt to answer questions of how to train our beloved children, let us be reminded that there is ample evidence for the existence of a loving Father. The apostle Paul declared there is no excuse for rejecting him (Rom.1:18-21).

If you are not aware that there is a battle for the souls of your offspring, you need to be. Humanism is an aggressive movement around the world. (Use your search engine to find such associations in most countries.) Continuing from the early years of the American Humanist Society, the influence of atheists/humanists like John Dewey and John Dunphy has permeated our educational system. Note this quote:

“I am convinced that the battle for humankind's future must be waged and won in the public school classroom by teachers that correctly perceive their role as proselytizers of a new faith: a religion of humanity that recognizes and respects the spark of what theologians call divinity in every human being...The classroom must and will become an arena of conflict between the old and new — the rotting corpse of Christianity…”— excerpt from an article by John Dunphy titled “Religion for a New Age,” appearing in the January/February 1983 issue of The Humanist Magazine. (emphasize mine).

Moses gave instructions to the generation of Jews who had survived the wilderness wanderings. He emphasized diligent teaching of their children, talking to them when they sit in the house, when they are walking in the way, when you lay down and when you get up (Dt. 6:4-9). One clear point is this: It takes time, over time! The common excuse that it takes quality time and not quantity time is misguided. We cannot spend every minute in a Bible class, but how much time we spend with our children matters. Going about daily activities can be teachable moments. Talking with our children bonds us together.

You cannot afford to leave your children’s minds in the hands of liberal religious teachers or the humanistically controlled public school. You must be an active teacher of your children, regardless of where they are schooled. Keeping that love-bond strong is the first line of defense for influencing our children.

C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying, “There is always hope if we keep an unsolved problem fairly in view; there is none, if we pretend it is not there” (Letters to Malcolm - quoted by A.E. Wilder Smith). What is the problem before us? It is the fact that Satan is out to steal your children. His ways are subtle and sneaky. We must do all we can to protect them. Love them fervently enough to keep him on the run.

For you to love your children the right way, you must love God, the right way: “with all your heart, your soul, your mind and your strength” (Mt. 22:37, Lk. 10:27). If you do not love Jesus enough to obey him (Jon. 14:15), you will not be the eternally successful parent you need to be.

Choose one of the words that you think you could grow in to be a better parent.

3. Have you given thought to each of your child’s specific needs? Pray for them individually, rather than collectively.

4. Make a plan for teaching your children at home. Regardless of how they are receiving their secular education you still need to teach them. But don’t expect them to be happy about a typical school room sit down study. Try to make learning interesting. Memory verses are good. If you feel inapt about teaching your own children the Bible, ask for some help from a trusted Bible class teacher.

A good online study site is http://www.studylight.org. There you will find Bible dictionaries, commentaries, original language tools, etc.Copyright for purchased photo: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_goodluz'>goodluz / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

Hebrews 6:18b-19

"...we may have encouragement who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us: which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil."